Page 37 of Braxton

“What’s wrong?”

“Since I went off-grid, I haven’t been able to see them. I send burners and we talk as much as possible, but it isn’t the same.”

“You’re scared they’ll become targets?” he guessed.

“I was set up, Brax. I know you don’t believe me, but—”

“I believe you.”

All the air seemed to rush out of her lungs. Those three words meant everything to her. “You really do?”

“I was confused and hurt at first, but after my interrogation, I came home, ready to help you. And you were gone. I understand why you ran, but it still hurts. I could’ve helped you.”

Tears filled her eyes and she did her best to blink them away. Instead, the little bastards ended up trailing down her cheeks.

Brax brushed each one away with the pad of his thumb. “I’ve never seen you cry,” he said softly.

“Because I never cry,” she insisted stubbornly, swiping at her face. “I don’t know what’s going on. Maybe I have something in my eye.”

“That must be it.” He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her lips. “I’ll help you clear your name.”

She pulled back, eyes widening. “You will?”

“We’ll get Zane and company to do some digging. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you can see your family again.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that more than you know.” Settling back down on the pillow, she felt a weight lift off her heart. “How’s your dad? I always adored him, you know. I never dated a silver fox, but if he’d have come along first…” She waggled her brows teasingly.

Brax let out a soft sigh. “He passed away right before I joined Ex Nihilo.”

“Oh, Brax, I’m so sorry.” She grabbed his hand, squeezing it. “He was always so proud of you. And the way he accepted me so easily—”

Dammit.More tears threatened.

“He was one in a million,” she finished.

“Yeah, he really was. He loved you like a daughter and he never believed anything the CIA and my commanding officerstold me about you being a traitor. He said they were full of bullshit and you were a good girl who loved her country and…who loved me.”

For a moment, neither one of them spoke. He’d used the past tense. But was it truly over between them? Could they still possibly have a future together? Anxiety over their past screw-ups made her frown and start chewing on her thumbnail again. She couldn’t figure out what was going on in that head of his and it was making her nuts. Making her question everything.

He said he believed her, but was that enough?

He gently pulled her hand away. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but you just enjoyed multiple orgasms, right?”

She nodded.

“And I promised to help clear your name.”

Another nod.

“So why are you so tense?” He dragged his hand downward, curving his large palm over her breast and lightly squeezing. “Need me to make you come again?”

His words lit a fire inside her, instantly heating the furnace within her pussy. “I’m not going to say no to that.”

She shifted beneath his touch, pushing into his callused hand as he worked her nipple into a tight peak. Yes, they should talk more, but she still had too much energy and desire thrumming through her body. And an irrational fear was taking hold and making her think they only had this one fleeting night together.

Because face it, Q,she thought.Why would he want to get back together with you? You’re a hothead, impetuous, ruthless—

“Get out of your head,” he ordered in his Delta Force commander voice. The one that brooked no argument and let her know he was currently in charge. “On your stomach. Now.”

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